Cat vs Hybrid Insert Help

[WoodstovinCT]

Hi everyone,

Doing some last minute shopping for an insert before the end of the tax credit. Located in Connecticut, 3700sq ft home, insert will be on the 1700 sq ft first floor. External masonry chimney (25-30ft need to measure). I’m about 4 years ahead on wood supply so decent in that area. Started off with a shortlist of six inserts… BK Princess 29 and Sorocco 25, Osburn 3500 and Matrix, Pacific Energy Summit LE, and Lopi Large Flush NexGen Hybrid.

Eliminated the Osburn due to the large mantel clearances required. Eliminated the Summit LE because I read that it’s an easy breather and tends to overdraft. Eliminated the Sirocco 25 for cost & firebox size.

I am between the flush Lopi and the princess 29 which extends out on the hearth. Interesting comparison.. I know. Got some figures for cat replacement on each and the BK is 500-550 and the Lopi is 680. 10 year 100% warranty then 6 year pro-rated warranty on the BK vs 5 year on the Lopi.

Looking to for any feedback either way. I’m hoping to be able to use the Princess with the fan off in shoulder seasons/power outages vs always on with the Lopi. Any flames with the BK on medium? How about med-high? Looks are not a factor. Lopi has a digital cat thermometer which just seems like another thing that can break.

 

[EbS-P]

Any insert on an insulated 6” liner is going to over draft. The exception might be the blaze kings. Have a plan to get your draft down below .08” WC.

 

[BKVP]

"the BK is 500-550" try Midwest Hearth. Others here swear by them.

 

[WoodstovinCT]

"the BK is 500-550" try Midwest Hearth. Others here swear by them.

View attachment 340239

Thanks, BKVP. Made a decision and calling my dealer this morning to put down a deposit on the PI29. I just finished reading a thread from Dec 2023 called "Aftermarket cat replacement option for Blaze King PI29 insert?" and it ended inconclusive if the Midwest Hearth MH-63C or MH-63M was a replacement for S.CAT29.

 

[Highbeam]

"the BK is 500-550" try Midwest Hearth. Others here swear by them.

View attachment 340239

That's the king model catalyst. For the princess it's a cheaper version at $240 shipped. Super easy to install a new one.

https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Hearth-Catalytic-Combustor-Replacement/dp/B0754MT2NM?th=1

I would prefer the BK all day for a serious heater. If you just want an occasional beauty fire for aesthetics then the Lopi line almost certainly makes a better fireshow whether you like it or not since it doesn't have as much burn rate control as the BK. The BK has the ability to be turned down to heat your home to a consistently warm with much longer burns. At medium settings you should have flames on the fuel for a large part of the burn and a glowing pile of coals visible through the glass.

Still, your home is huge. "first floor" is an ambiguous term but a 30 foot chimney makes me think this is the bottom level of a multistory home? not in the basement? or is the basement an additional 1700 SF? Anyway, heating 3700 is asking a lot of any stove so be sure that you have a plan to also be able to run some other form of heat.

 

[BKVP]

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit qualified manufacturers | Internal Revenue Service

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit qualified manufacturers | Internal Revenue Service

These manufactures have met all IRS requirement for Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits, however not all products produced may qualify.

www.irs.gov

This is IRS updated list of stove manufacturers that have QM's which are needed to claim the credit.

BKVP

 

[EbS-P]

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit qualified manufacturers | Internal Revenue Service

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit qualified manufacturers | Internal Revenue Service

These manufactures have met all IRS requirement for Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits, however not all products produced may qualify.

www.irs.gov

This is IRS updated list of stove manufacturers that have QM's which are needed to claim the credit.

BKVP

I recognized 6 stove manufacturers. But may have missed some BK kuma, Jotul mf nova Travis and Woodstock. Some big names are missing

 

[BKVP]

I recognized 6 stove manufacturers. But may have missed some BK kuma, Jotul mf nova Travis and Woodstock. Some big names are missing

You are correct.

BKVP